Month: July 2025

SUMMER FUN!

Summer camp is a huge success this year! Coaches Caleb, Katie, Jenna, and Abelina led an action-packed week filled with fun and creative golf activities at The Shores. From exciting putting wars to a lively game of baseball golf, campers showed off their skills and teamwork. Even during cool-down breaks, the fun did not stop. Coach Gabbie, LPGA, kept everyone entertained with her popular “Guess the Drawing” game, sparking laughter and friendly competition. Our Coaches offer a summer camp experience where kids and teens develop golf fundamentals, build character, make new friends, and grow in confidence, all within a supportive and engaging environment.

MEET OUR SUMMER INTERN

Please join us in welcoming Bria Baughman to our team this summer! Bria is currently a Sports Management major at Suffolk University in Boston, MA. She is entering her second year of college and plays on the women’s soccer team.

Originally from Stuart, Bria is a proud graduate of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at South Fork High School. She spent 10 years playing club soccer at the Football Farm in Palm City, where she helped her team win two state championships. Her love for sports grew not only through her own playing experience, but also through volunteering at youth soccer summer camps—an early sign of her passion for mentorship and community.

In her first year of college, Bria gained hands-on experience in the sports industry by volunteering at both the Boston Marathon and the Boston Half Marathon. At the Boston Marathon, she worked with the Press Media team, helped manage media check-ins, and supported the setup of the photo bridge. On race day, she assisted in the Pro Athlete Oval, identifying elite athletes for post-race interviews, and had the incredible experience of watching the marathon finish from the photo bridge.

Bria is shadowing Program Director, Gabbie Budd, LPGA this summer. She has already made a positive impact with her enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

FUN WITH MARTIN COUNTY PARKS & REC

We are partnered again this summer with a variety of summer camps throughout Martin County to bring the game of golf to even more young people. One of the highlights of our summer programming is the opportunity to collaborate with local organizations and provide a unique golf experience that goes beyond the course.

A huge thank-you to Sailfish Sands for their continued support. Their top-notch facility and welcoming staff make it possible for us to introduce the game to kids in a dynamic and engaging environment. The use of their hitting bays and open space allows us to get creative. This is precisely what happened when Martin County Parks and Recreation’s Jensen Beach and G.A.A.P. camps visited Sailfish Sands.

The campers enjoyed an action-packed day that featured everything from “Go Fish” to a lively round of Angry Birds golf and a classic long-drive competition. With activities designed for every age and ability, there was something for everyone. Coaches Gabbie, LPGA, Katie, and Caleb led the sessions with energy and enthusiasm, helping the kids build new skills and confidence along the way.

DEEP SEA FISHING ADVENTURE

Four Chapter teens had the opportunity of a lifetime: a 6-hour deep-sea fishing charter out of Stuart, with Catch of the Day fishing charters. Participants Jenna, Abelina, Heaven, and Victoria were joined by Emily Valentine, Senior Program Director, and Gabbie Budd, LPGA Program Director, for a day filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable experiences on the open water.

Andrew and Robin Hunt and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) made the trip possible to provide our students with incredible opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course.

With the expert guidance of Captain Trent and his awesome crew, our group learned the ins and outs of deep-sea fishing, marine conservation, and teamwork — all while reeling in an impressive catch: 10 tuna, 2 kingfish, 1 mahi-mahi, and even a sailfish!

VETERANS TAKE ON THE SAND

Coach Joe Grohman, PGA recently led a group of veterans through a special FORE Freedom bunker clinic at Sailfish Sands Golf Course. With Coach Joe’s expert and encouraging instruction, the vets learned to approach the sand trap with confidence and control.

For many, it was their first time in a bunker. By the end of the session, sand was flying, and spirits were soaring. One veteran shared, “The course was great, but the company was even better. It reminded me that I’m not alone and that there is always room to grow.”

Big SHOUT OUT to Coach Joe, the Sailfish Sands staff, and our incredible veterans for making the day so meaningful. We’re proud to serve those who have served through our FORE Freedom programs.

NEW TECH AT DAVIE GC

Our program at Davie Golf Club has begun implementing some new technology called Phi Golf. This technology allows students to hit virtual golf shots. Phi Golf is an iPad, app-based simulator where golfers can learn golf club control and play courses by placing sensors on golf clubs. The students can see many stats to learn more details about their game.

ELISA ATTENDS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

This summer, Elisa Hernandez, was selected to attend the prestigious First Tee Leadership Summit in Atlanta. The Summit was a weeklong experience designed to empower young leaders through skill-building, mentorship, and personal growth.

Hosted at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation’s Westside Works Campus, the Summit brought together promising teens from across the country for a transformative week of workshops, team activities, and one-on-one mentoring with accomplished business and community leaders. Elisa was selected based on her  outstanding character, involvement in our local chapter, and passion for making a difference.

“I made powerful professional connections. Hearing from leaders like Maya Moore was incredibly inspiring and motivated me to grow as a leader and as a person,” said Elisa.

“We participated in a variety of team building and leadership activities that pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to take initiative. Visiting the Blank Foundation left a strong impression on me. At each of the Arthur Blank institutions we visited, such as the Atlanta Falcons, we heard about the importance of core values. Even though each group had a different mission, they all shared the same foundational principles. It was eye-opening to see how shared values could lead to success in so many different settings. Overall, this summit taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone, speaking up, and taking ownership as a leader.”

ABA AT ALL GOLF

On a sunny day at AllGolf at C.B. Smith Park, we teamed up with ABA Centers of Florida to create an unforgettable experience for youth with special needs. The Special Needs Golf Day welcomed over 40 participants and their families for a morning of movement, laughter, and connection through golf.

Guided by our Coaches and Board-Certified Behavior Technicians from ABA Centers of Florida, participants rotated through engaging golf stations. They were learning how to chip, putt, and swing with confidence. The emphasis was not just on golf, but on building self-esteem, encouraging social interaction, and celebrating every small victory.

Seeing their faces light up as they made contact with the ball or high fived a Coach made it a rewarding event for all.

The day also provided parents with an opportunity to relax and connect, knowing their children were supported in a safe and uplifting environment. The collaboration with ABA Centers of Florida brought the expertise and compassion needed to make each moment count.  As we continue to expand our adaptive programs, events like this reinforce the belief that golf and personal growth truly are for everyone.